The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 108

Photos Galore

May 28,2023

Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons,

Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 108.

According to Substack, in the first 25 hours after publication Newsletter # 106 was viewed 3,086 times, was “liked” 15 times, and received four (positive) comments. In all, 4.651 email addresses received the Newsletter.

All underlined text is a link-to-a-link. Clicking anywhere on underlined text, and then left-clicking on the link that pops up, will get you to your on-line destination.

The Usual Words of Wisdom

Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first 107 Newsletters (and much other Wheatley data and arcana) at

Wheatley School Alumni Association Website

Also, thanks to Keith is our search engine, prominently displayed on our home page: type in a word or phrase and, mirabile dictu, you’ll find every place it exists in all previous Newsletters and other on-site material. I use it all the time; it works!

I edit all submissions, even material in quotes, for clarity and concision, without any indication thereof. I do not vouch for the accuracy of what people tell me.

We welcome any and all text and photos relevant to The Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568, and the people who administered, taught and/or studied there. Art Engoron, Class of 1967

Class of 2003 20th-Year Reunion

The event will occur on October 21, 2023, starting at 7:30, at Hendricks Tavern in Roslyn. The cost is $180 per person - spouses welcome. Food and top-shelf liquor included. Please pay no later than June 30, 2023. You can pay Kristen Bonell (Capozzi) or Ari Schnitzer by Venmo: @Kristen-Bonell, @Ari-D-Schnitzer

For more information please email Kristen at KRISTEN.BONELL@GMAIL.COM.

Bay Area Bash - Sunday, 6/4/23, Noon

The time of the Second Annual (?) Unofficial San Francisco Bay Area Wheatley Reunion Potluck (TSA[?]USFBAWRP), is fast approaching: Sunday June 4, 2023, noon-4 PM! Signups include Nancy Kurshan (’61), Elizabeth Lynn (’64), Barry Gordon (’65), and Roy Nierenberg (’63). We’ll be in my backyard the whole time, so as locals know, best to dress in layers. Interested Wildcats, please email me at larros99@gmail.com. Best, Larry Rosenthal (‘65).

Graduates

1961 - Nancy Horowitz Schwartz - Survivor

(Reprinted from Issue # 105)

Writes Nancy - “On May 23, 2020 I fell ill. I survived sepsis shock after 10 days in a coma; my family was told that I might not make it. Four weeks after being diagnosed I had a quadruple amputation (legs half-way below the knees; right hand above my wrist; left hand fingers except half my thumb and a quarter of my index finger). I have prosthetic legs from below my knees. I did not like the arm I got, so I do very well with the stump. You should see what I can do with just 2 short fingers! I taught myself to write, including my signature, and make beaded necklaces in a class at the independent facility in which my husband and I live. After five months during the heart of COVID in hospitals and rehab and no family seeing me, I finally went home. I am so grateful and very active walking with a walker. I have told my story to several groups to make them aware. I would love to talk to anyone if they want to hear my story or if they need help. JAS0564@YAHOO.COM, 561-215-7212

Writes Paul Ingrassia (1969) - “Nancy's story inspired me. I survived a ‘fatal’ illness 30 years ago, but I am still here, looking forward to the future. Nancy teaches us all the value of perseverance”

1965 - Mitchell Ditkoff - “Dear Beautiful Friends: If you have 5 minutes and are interested in the phenomenon of how any creative person gets his or her work out there ‘in the world,’ you might enjoy this just-published article of mine on MEDIUM. In June I will be posting an article on ‘How Poets, Writers, Artists and Musicians Can Promote Their Work in a Simple, Effective and Soulful Way.’ Onward! Mitch”

1965 - Jeffrey Orling - Photos Without Shopping

1966 - Lorraine Gallard - Vocalist Extraordinaire

On May 25, 2023, accompanied by an incredible piano player, Lorraine sang a great collection of popular songs. That’s her on the left. Her fans, L-R, are Roddy Nierenberg (1965), Josh Wilner (1965), Marilyn Bardo (1964), Rob Halper (1965), Art Engoron (1967) and Gretchen Gersh Whitman (1966).

Another shot, “color corrected.”

1966 - Gretchen Gersh and Family

That’s Gretchen with her husband, Dale; daughter, Megan; and son-in-law, Bradford

1967 - Bonnie Glassman - Remembered

Writes brother Richard Glassman (1962) - “I would like to give a shout out to Jill Simon Forte (1967) for bringing attention to the passing of Bonnie Glassman Crohn, my sister. Bonnie was an outspoken Sweetheart and is dearly missed…..thanks Jill!”

Writes Lois Kass Kleinberg (1962) - “I was saddened to read about Bonnie Glassman’s death. In 1956 my family bought the Glassman house on Carriage Lane. My father and Paul Glassman had a lot in common, and we were happy when they bought another house in Roslyn Country Club community. Dr. Glassman was my dentist.”

1967 - Amy Pastarnack Hughes - Daughter is Going to Run for Congress

Portions reprinted from Newsletter # 107

Olympic champion Sarah Hughes is running for Congress.

The former figure skater won gold in Salt Lake City in 2002. Now she wants to represent New York’s 4th Congressional District in the House of Representatives.

Hughes has yet to formally launch her campaign. But City & State New York reported that she recently filed to run for Congress in Long Island. Her campaign spokesperson, Max Kramer, confirmed her intention to run.

Since retiring from Olympic competition, Hughes attended Yale as an undergrad and Penn for law school. According to her LinkedIn bio, she's worked as an associate at a New York law firm and is currently studying at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Hughes intends to run as a Democrat. S he'll challenge the seat held by Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito. Hughes will face a Democratic primary against multiple challengers looking to unseat D’Esposito.

1967 - Amy Pastarnack Hughes - Amazing Family

Writes classmate Jill Simon Forte - “Amy’s late husband was was a most exceptional man: intelligent, kind, and a wonderful father. You can see that in the fact that they have marvelous children. Now Sarah steps forward! All of Amy’s kids and grandkids are multitalented and outstanding!”

Writes Amy Pastarnack Hughes - Hello Art! Thanks for the inclusion of Sarah running for Congress in the newsletter! I had a lovely chat with Bobby Freier (1981), my Stirrup Lane across-the-street neighbor, when Sarah’s run was first announced. He is terrific! Also, my granddaughter Natalie got into Columbia and will be attending in the fall!

1967 - Howard Senft - Fit as a Fiddle

Writes Howard - “Hi, Art, Please inform our classmate Scott Frishman that when we were in Ninth Grade, the three highest scores in the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test were as follows: George Glasser (1965) # 1; Richard Strauss (1965) #2...and Howard Senft # 3. Dr. August sent me a failing notice for gym because I didn't go out for the team. Just the facts!”

1974 - William Bosshart - Loves Books by Wheatley Authors

Writes Buzz Bosshart - “A while back I was looking at my bookshelf and realized that I have a few books that the Wheatley Library and its students may appreciate. Many of my classmates, such as Carol Leifer and Cathy Gould Rath, have written books (often several of them), and I felt it was easier for me, rather then the authors themselves, to submit them. As I know Lenny Steinhorn and Mike Meyer, I submitted these gentlemen’s books. Wheatley replied with a polite, albeit brief, note. Personally, I think it would be great if a few of us joined in and provided more “Wheatley Author” books.

What I enjoyed about Lenny’s book was that it made me think of things I had not thought of before and of things I knew long ago but had forgotten about. Lenny still gets calls from book clubs about his books.

Dr Meyer once mentioned to me that his neurology book contained pictures of my dad. I have spent hours reading Mike’s book, and I will tell you that to me…. a spine looks like a spine.”

1974 - Miscellaneous Classmates:

Scot Feld and wife JB in Del Ray Beach - Seagate Beach Club 2022

Buzz-Bosshart off-roading outside of Santa Barbara

Buzz Bosshart unsuccessfully attempting to convince his grandkids to pose for a 2022 Halloween photo

1975 - Toni Buckner LaPietra - Appreciating the Clarke Family

Writes Toni - “Reading Tim Clarke’s (1973) description of skating down the hills at the Wheatley Hills Golf Club course jogged my memory. At a party a few years ago, the guests were asked to write something about themselves that no one knew, and everyone had to try to guess who wrote what. I wrote that I was kicked out of the Girl Scouts. Oddly, no one guessed that it was me. I wasn’t a bad kid, it was a string of things from not having the new uniform (I had to wear my sisters’ hand-me-downs), not remembering to bring the dues, not achieving any of the badges, and similar offenses. Needless to say, I wasn’t a happy or willing Girl Scout, but my mother insisted I continue.

As a last ditch effort to make a scout (or maybe a girl) out of me, the East Williston troop allowed me in. In order to attend the meetings, I had to get on the bus, which I had never done, as I lived across the street from the Willets Road School, and I was always a ‘walker.’ The meetings were at the Clarke’s house, which smelled of freshly baked cookies and love. Mrs. Clarke was the nicest person I had ever met in my young life, and probably my old life, too. She was patient with me, and taught me how to sew (even though my mother couldn’t teach me because I was a lefty. I still can’t knit); cooking and crafts: and mostly how to be a kind person. Ann (Clarke Gerrity, 1974) was in the troop as well, and even though the girls were a grade older than me, she was friendly and sweet, which made the other girls follow suit.

I did finally earn my first badge—for sewing. In fact, I sewed the sash of my old uniform by myself. Nonetheless, I had to cringe when my daughters asked if they could be Girl Scouts. I will never forget the kindness that Ann Clarke and her mother bestowed on me.”

1976 - Robert Needle - Deceased

Writes brother Jeffrey Needle (1978) - “Arthur, I have some sad news for the Wheatley family. My brother Robert Needle, Class of 1976, passed away this past Monday night, losing a 19-month battle with Esophageal cancer. He did hang on long enough to meet his only two grandchildren. Annie was born to his youngest daughter, Elizabeth, 8 weeks ago, and Luke was delivered just the Friday before he passed, to Alexandra.

He was such a strong guy and a solid big brother. The strong turnout for his funeral expressed how he touched people at work, his college fraternity brothers and his family. He is survived by wife, Laura; daughters Alexandra, Meredith and Elizabeth; mother Joan; and myself. The Wheatley community wasn't made aware of the service, but a few of my closest friends from my Class of '78 attended, providing support for me.” Robert Needle Obituary

The Wheatley School Alumni Association Forum/Soapbox

Writes John Sullivan (1964) - “Art, The latest Newsletter triggered one old memory and one new one.

The old one was sledding at the Wheatley Hills Golf Club – sledding with friends and, later, with my girlfriend, was great. There were some terrific hills. I was not aware of the anti-semitism there until I read that in the newsletter. We had that in Kansas City with the Kansas City Country Club in 1990, when Henry Bloch of H&R Bloch applied for membership but was rejected as he was Jewish, although that was not stated. Tom Watson, the golfer, resigned from the club due to the decision. The decision was rescinded – Mr. Bloch joined and Tom Watson rejoined.

The new memory was triggered by John Hughes’s comments about Jay Cummings rantings. I assume the “95% of Wheateyites hate America” claim is statistically sound, otherwise, one would think that he would not say it, much less commit it to writing.

The comments reminded me of a more recent experience I had, attending a men’s Bible study. Sitting around a table, one participant asked for prayers. It seems he and his wife had lunch with an elderly woman in her 90s and her daughter, who was in her 60s. The daughter was from LA, a PhD (I believe), worked with the homeless and the abused, etc. Quite an impressive resume. The participant was praying that he would be able to continue to talk to/interact with her, as she is a Democrat. I don’t use the word “incredulous” much in my life, but that comment made me so. I asked him – “do you mean to tell me that with all she has accomplished in her life, you don’t know if you can talk to her because she is a democrat?” He said he did not want to start anything, but his answer was “yes,” and he was praying for strength for he and his wife to accept her.

I later found out that he is a Vietnam war hero, dropped into a hot zone as a medic, pulled out hanging onto a rope attached to a helicopter. Because of that, I felt badly about what I said. For what he said about the woman Democrat, I don’t.

Hard to believe that in 2023 we are still encountering positions such as this. Then we see book censorship, the mouths that roared (about nothing other than a power struggle) in Congress, and realize that so much of progression since 1964 has reversed into regression. Sad.

I went from being Catholic, to agnostic, to Presbyterian, to Methodist. The largest Methodist Church in the US, if not in the world, is in Kansas City. My wife and I are members there. COR.org (Church of the Resurrection). If you want to look at online sermons, the Senior Pastor is great. He is close friends with the lead Rabbi of a local KC synagogue, Art Nemitoff – recently they traveled to Israel together. I was also interested in the Presbyterian Church of the Redeemer in NYC, founded and led by Timothy Keller, who just passed away. Thanks Art.”

Writes Jill Simon Forte (1967) - “I REALLY enjoyed John Hughes’s letter in the most recent Newsletter.”

Fan Mail

Faculty (Robert Brandt) - ❤️

1959 (Tracey Lanthier) - “Again, thanks for all the information.”

1960 (Veronica Brown Dalstrom) - ❤️

1960 (Joanne Festa Lemanis) - ❤️

1960 (Alice Horowitz Lainer) - ❤️

1960 (Donna Maxfield Chimera) - ❤️

1962 (Richard Glassman) - ❤️

1962 (Lois Kass Kleinberg) - “Art, thank you for the terrific newsletters.”

1963 (Jeanne Langlois Kull) - ❤️

1964 (Barbara Rosenbaum Carey) - ❤️

1964 (John Sullivan) - “Art – Many thanks for pulling together & coordinating such an assortment of 60+ years of Wheatley history in the Newsletter.”

1965 (Jeffrey Orling) - “Art, Thanks for sharing all these bits from Wheatley. Although I don't recall most people who were not from my class, I do remember the people with whom I went through Wheatley. Seeing the photos is a hoot. The year 2025 will mark 60 years since I graduated. YIKES

1967 (Jill Simon Forte) - “As usual I enjoyed reading this latest newsletter.”

1968 (Shelley “Sheli Nan” Hershcopf) - “Thanks for your work.”

1968 (Nancy Lagin) - ❤️

1969 (Paul Ingrassia) - “Art, Thanks for all the time and effort you put in to keep us posted and connected.”

1969 (Harold Newcomb) - ❤️

1969 (Penny Ostrower Rezeppa) - ❤️

1969 (Wendy Woods) - ❤️

1970 (Luis Rios) - "I enjoy reading about Wheatley School Alumni.”

1972 (Jeffrey Asquith) - “Thanks, Art, for all you do.”

1974 (William Bosshart) - “Art, keep up the good work.”

1975 (Toni Buckner LaPietra) - “Hi Art, Thanks for all you do!”

1977 (Karen Alt Roos) - ❤️